WARNING: Mention of suicide and ideation of suicide. He gets better though. (This is technically a sspoiler but sort of integral to the plot.)
It was a quiet Saturday in August of 1992 and Detective Auror Francis Muldoon was on duty in the unforgivable detection center deep in the bowels of the Ministry. He was getting close to retirement and enjoyed this duty as ever since 1981 and the defeat of you-know-who they rarely had any alerts and he could get some good napping in.
He had just reclined in his chair with his feet up on his desk with a good book on his chest when the avada-kedavra alert blared into life.
He sat bolt upright, adrenaline coursing through him, as the book fell to the floor with a thunk. Checking the address he saw it was in Little Whinging a muggle planned bedroom community for workers in the city. Turning knobs to narrow it down he saw it was #4 Privet Drive. A shudder ran through him as he realized due to staffing shortages he was the only one on duty to respond to this. Calling for two auror constables to join him he swiftly relocated to that location.
…..
Arriving at the house he did not bother knocking on the door, simply casting a charm to throw it wide open. He was glad to see that the Dark Mark was not hovering over this location like far far too many times he had responded to these alarms in his career.
The inhabitants of the house spluttered in anger and protest until he pointed his wands at them. Muggles, he could tell by their very look and smell. He heard the pops of more aurors arriving. Looking over his shoulder he saw the probie he had trained so many years ago before he made the move to detectives.
"Malloy take yer partner and corral these three until I know what's going on." He ordered as he drew a probity probe to search for the decaying energy signature of the magic. The probe's twin arms began to tweedle and hum as he moved it slowly around. The muggles quivering fear as they were relocated to the living room.
As he climbed the stairs the probe began to tweedle louder and the arms raised into their cruciform position. It indicated the spell had originated on the other side of a bedroom door. Only this bedroom door had a lock on the outside of it and a animal flap near the bottom.
Francis had done a tour as a guard in Azkaban and this door reminded him far too much of those cell doors. With a wave of his wand the door was unlocked and flung open.
Entering the room he saw laying on the bed the frail and underfed form of a young boy. A young boy with a lightning bolt scar that was oozing a thick black ichor onto his pillow. Sightless green eyes staring at the ceiling.
Francis felt his breath catch in his throat as he recognized Harry Potter. The Boy-who-lived. He stared for a moment as his emotions warred with his training. As he did so the body, the boy, coughed and groaned.
"Laddie! Yer alive?" Francis exclaimed incredulously. He had detected an Avada in this house, he would have bet his entire retirement pay that he was looking at a corpse when he walked into this room. Now the boy was struggling to sit up as he looked warily at Francis.
Moving to help him sit up Francis softly asked, "Laddie, what happened here?"
Swallowing deeply Harry Potter looked up at him and said, "I couldn't take it anymore. I couldn't take being forgotten and abandoned by everyone."
Francis pulled him against his chest. He felt a great deal of warring emotions as the boy began to cry against his sweater. He had no idea what had happened but there would be hell to pay until he did.
…...
Once Harry had calmed himself Francis smoothed the boy's hair gently, "So laddie. You're the one who cast the spell?"
"Yes sir. I was told that was how my parents died and what he used against me so I sat and pointed my finger at myself concentrating really hard to make it happen then it did." Harry explained as Francis handed him a kerchief from his breast pocket.
"I see. And why would you want to go and do something like that?" Francis asked in surprise before he could think of something more sympathetic to say.
Harry sniffled a little, "Because I don't have anyone who cares about me. I miss my parents so much and want to go to them."
"Aye. I see." Francis sighed. He studied Harry and remembered the stories of when he was born. He should have spent the last year at Hogwarts. "Didn't you make any friends at Hogwarts?"
Harry frowned as he looked sadly at the floor, "I thought I did. Only. Only they never wrote me back, they forgot me I guess."
"I doubt they forgot you Harry. We'll just have to figure out what happened. Now I'm not a specialist. I need to take you to one who can check you over and give me a report on how healthy and all you are. Think you can do that?"
"Will it be the matron at the school?" Harry asked looking up.
"No. This woman is a healer though. She can tell us what all has happened to you." Francis said, "And then we can get make sure it doesn't happen again."
"No more getting hurt?" Harry asked hopefully. "No more getting chased by dogs or thrown around?"
Francis bit his lip, "No more."He managed to control his voice when he croaked that out.
There was a knock at the door frame, the young officer that had come with him stood there. The expression on his face was academy perfect, unreadable. Francis briefly envied him the lack of experience that made that so easy.
"CDI Muldoon sir? DI Shacklebolt is downstairs wanting to talk to you." the officer said.
"Alright. Can you stay with young Harry here. Maybe help him gather his things." Muldoon said standing up.
"Yes sir." The young auror said entering the room in as unassuming and friendly posture he could assume.
Muldoon smiled at Harry and went downstairs to deal with Shacklebolt.
…...
Shacklebolt was standing in the middle of a living room that had three uniformed aurors in it with him. The tall blonde one that had come with Muldoon and two others.
"Shacklebolt. What can I do fer ye?" Muldoon asked quickly. Glancing to see that the muggles were still sitting on the couch staring at the people in their living room with expressions of abject horror and fear. He immediately dismissed them for the moment as not important.
"You can release the scene to me." The taller man said in his rich resonant tone.
"And if frogs had wings they'd be birds." Muldoon countered, "I shall do no such thing."
Shacklebolt cleared his throat as he glanced around, "Muldoon, I don't think you understand the sensitive nature of the situation. There are factors you are unaware of."
"DI Shacklebolt." Muldoon's voice dropped into the one he had used when training probational aurors just out of the academy, "I am aware that a young boy just tried to end his life because he felt like there was no other solution. That he shows far too many signs of being abused to be comfortable or ignore. So please, do enlighten me as to what ah do not understand right now!"
"Here now. We did not abuse the boy!" The walrus mustached muggle growled heaving himself to his feet causing every uniformed auror to swiftly reach for their wands.
The blonde uniformed auror put his hand in the middle of the man's chest and pushed backwards, knocking him back onto the couch with a thump, "Sit down and don't get up again unless we tell you to."
"Get your hands off me you jack booted freak!" the fat man growled.
The blonde auror drew his wand swiftly but held it against his hip, "Mister you are pushing the limits of my patience."
Muldoon looked at the auror, "Watch yerself now, no need to risk yer stripes over him."
"I've got it under control sir." The blonde firmly declared though he was glaring at the fat muggle like he was hoping he would make a move.
The muggles swallowed and realize they would be better off sitting quietly and hoping they would be forgotten than causing any more waves.
Shacklebolt looked at the muggles and then seemed to study the house, "Its really that bad?"
Muldoon blinked in surprise several times before saying, "Aye its that bad."
Shacklebolt took a deep breath through his nostrils for a moment before saying, "What do you need me to do?"
"Well these three need taken into custody and interrogated. I'll be taking our young friend to the healer's clinic." Muldoon stated.
Shacklebolt nodded, "I'll personally make certain they are taken to holding. Then I'll have to take care of a small issue."
"Nothing that'll interfere in this case now is it?" Muldoon asked staring intently into the other man's dark eyes.
Shacklebolt got a slightly pained expression for a moment before shaking his head slightly, "No. I have no conflict. You have my word."
Muldoon inhaled deeply then with a nod said, "Alright, then get them down to holding. Observe and collect as much evidence as you can."
The blonde auror smiled coldly as he pulled a pair of handcuffs out of a pouch on his belt. The others spread out to examine the lower floor of the house, the one remarking about a lock on an under stair cupboard which made the muggles pale.
…...
Muldoon and the aurors helped Harry gather his things, some of them from the locked cupboard under the stairs. The Dursleys, his guardians were hustled off to the Ministry holding cells leaving Muldoon, Harry and two aurors standing in the house.
"So now what's going to happen to me?" Harry asked as he looked around the house with a strange uncertain expression.
"Well like I said I'll be taking you to a friend of mine who is trained to deal with things like this. She'll help us find out what all has been happening and then start working with you ta, well ta figure out how to help get things better for you."
Harry nodded.
"Now to get there we are going ta have to do something called apparation. This might not be comfortable for the first time but it is the easiest and quickest way to get there." Muldoon said.
Harry shrugged, "Okay."
Muldoon sighed internally as he heard the abject lack of involvement in Harry's voice. Like the boy was just doing whatever he was told to do.
Taking Harry's hand gently, making sure Harry was holding Hedgwig's cage and he had Harry's trunk with all of his worldly belongings in the other Muldoon apparated.
…...
Harry dropped to his knees gagging and retching when they reappeared. Hedwig screeching as her cage was dropped and rolled. Muldoon quickly dropping to his own knees to check on Harry.
"Sorry bought that. I tried to be as gentle as I could." Muldoon said rubbing Harry's back between his shoulders.
"That was horrible. Why does it feel like that?" Harry asked wiping his chin with his sleeve.
"I'm not certain. Eventually ye get used to." Muldoon said helping Harry to his feet.
Harry looked around and saw they were in a fenced in back garden. A large older Victorian house stood in front of them, painted bright blue with red trim, yellow and orange roof tiles alternated in a checkerboard fashion. Some toys and a swingset were located around the garden which had neat flowerbeds along the edges. "Where are we?"
"At the Tonks House. Its in Bath." Muldoon said checking on Hedwig. "Are you okay enough to go inside?"
"This is where the lady who will help me lives?" Harry asked with wide eyes. He knew where Bath was from his primary school classes.
"Aye. She runs a home here for those who have no other place to go too. Her and her husband with a few others." Muldoon said with a smile.
…...
Harry had been led inside where a tall, slightly chubby, black haired woman with deep blue eyes greeted him warmly and introduced herself as Andromeda Tonks. She was wearing a dress in a shade of blue similar to the color of the house and led him and Muldoon into a large sitting room with various chairs, couches and a large desk with stiff backed chairs in front of it. A large fireplace was along one wall. Shelves held books, some soft stuffed animals and there was a large shaggy rug in one corner.
"Find a place to sit and make yourself comfortable Harry. Anywhere you want is fine." She said, "You can let your owl out of her cage now if you want."
"I don't have the key to the lock." He said holding the cage up.
She looked at Muldoon who nodded before she tapped the lock with her wand making it vanish in a puff of purple smoke. "Well no need for a key now is there."
Harry smiled briefly as he open the cage and Hedwig hopped out onto his arm briefly before fluttering her wings and flying to the top of a nearby bookshelf.
"There now that's better isn't it?" the woman said gently after harry sat in one of the chairs by the desk. "So, I know this is a major change for you and your mind is whirling but I'd like to ask you a few questions to get to know you and what happened. So you mind talking to me?"
Harry shrugged, "I guess not."
Andromeda took the other chair opposite him, after walking behind her desk to activate a dicta-quill to take notes for her. "Okay. I want you to know I am going to be making notes but I'll be the only person to see them unless you say its okay. In this room you have the power to say no and make anything stop. My promise to you. Okay?"
Harry looked confused for a moment but nodded.
"And do you want Mister Muldoon to step out or do you mind if he stays here with us and hears what you have to say?"
"I don't mind him." Harry said with a wan smile, "He seems nice."
Muldoon took a rocking chair by the fireplace and chuckled, "Well thank you."
"Alright Harry do you know why you're here?" she asked, broaching the subject early to see what his mental state was right now.
Harry nodded, "I killed myself."
Andromeda nodded as she looked at Muldoon who shrugged, "Do you mean you tried to or that you actually did?"
"When I met my mum she said I actually did. But that it wasn't my time yet and I needed to go back. I didn't want to come back but she made me." He sniffled a little bit. "She said I still had things to do and people who would miss me."
"Well I'm sure you have friends who would miss you. You look about old enough to be in Hogwarts. I'm sure you have friends there." Andromeda replied observing him. The idea that he had actually crossed over and came back, surviving the unsurvivable spell twice now made her shiver a bit but she managed to hide it. Exploring how he did that was a question for another day.
Harry looked like he was thinking hard before shrugging, "I dunno. They haven't written me or anything. And he said they didn't like me anymore."
"Who said that?" Andromeda inquired softly. "That doesn't sound like something nice to say."
"The strange little man called Dobby. He popped into the house to try and tell me not to go back to Hogwarts. That its wasn't safe for me, that it wasn't a good place to go and that nobody wanted me there, nobody liked me there." Harry quickly burst out after sitting for a long moment in silence.
Andromeda rocked backwards slightly, "Oh dear. Could you describe this Dobby for us?" She thought that sounded like a house elf, but not one that was acting in a manner she had ever heard of.
Harry described the little man. From his tennis ball sized eyes to his dirty tea towel toga. How he had ruined a dinner party the Dursleys had been having and gotten him in trouble. Then for some reason a second letter apologizing and saying it was all an accident. How the Dursleys had punished Harry because they hadn't seen the little man. "Was he real?" Harry asked at the end of that.
"Oh yes. It sounds like he was a house elf. They work for magical families, at least the good families treat them like staff and friends. I have several employed here if you'd like to meet any of them." Andromeda replied.
"Not right now, please." Harry said, although he did not sound scared or angry but relieved that Dobby was real. "Although maybe later."
Andromeda nodded, "Alright. They normally stay out of sight unless they need to interact with us humans. They sort of like it that way."
Harry nodded, "Oh." Was all he said like he was thinking. He sat slumped in the chair staring at the dicta-quill that was hovering over the strip of parchment waiting for them to continue talking.
Andromeda "So tell me about your friends."
"My friends?" Harry repeated uncertainly.
"Yes. The people you went to school with. The one's you were expecting to hear from. Do you think they really would be the sort to not contact you?" Andromeda inquired.
Harry took a deep breath, "Ron might. I live in a muggle house and he doesn't know hardly anything about the muggle world. Hermione is always correcting him about things he gets wrong."
Andromeda nodded letting him talk.
"Hermione's parents are dentists. I don't know if you know what they are." Harry looked up at Andromeda to find her smiling.
"Oh yes. Healers for the teeth. Your friend Hermione is a muggle-born?"
Harry nodded with a brief warm smile, "Yeah. She's bright and I'm sure she would know how to contact me. I gave her the Dursley's phone number and address. So she should have been able to contact me the non-magical way."
"Maybe she did and someone interfered. Without talking to her do you really know for certain?" Andromeda suggested.
Harry thought for a moment, "No I guess not. Maybe this Dobby interfered?"
"It is possible. We'll have to look into that. I can make sure that a note gets to her and any response if you want to write her one."
Harry eyes lit up when she said that, then fell, "But what if she really doesn't want to be my friend still?"
"Then you will know for certain and you can work to find other friends. And if she had been trying to contact you and getting interrupted she might be going spare with worry don't you think?" Andromeda suggested.
Harry looked at her in surprise, "Do you think so?"
"Its worth exploring don't you think?" Andromeda suggested, "And maybe this Ron too. If he was only using magical means to try and contact you a house elf would have a far easier time running interference then."
Harry looked like he was re-evaluating things with a slightly hopeful smile.
…...
His thoughts were broken by a knock on the door. Andromeda got up to answer it and returned with a tall dusky skinned woman who looked slightly familiar to harry.
"Harry this is Priyanka Patil. She's another healer, only her focus is on the body. Muldoon and the aurors need her to examine you for their files and I think it would be a good idea to get an independent evaluation of your physical health. Do you mind?"
"Do I have to take my clothes off?" Harry asked.
Priyanka shook her head, "No. Only if my spells reveal something we would have to document. My exam doesn't require me to make physical contact nor does it require you to disrobe for it."
Harry nodded in relief.
"Is there are reason why you are reluctant to disrobe? Did someone make you disrobe for them inappropriately?" Andromeda asked worriedly.
Harry shook his head emphatically, "Oh no. No. I just. I mean. I don't know you and I've just. I feel odd about it. It took me forever to get used to changing clothes in front of the other guys in the dorm and locker room at school. And uh. You're both not boys."
"Ahh. I see." Patil asked. "I assure you I am a professional."
Harry blushed, "I know. I just don't feel comfortable because I don't know you."
"I understand. We will not worry about you disrobing unless we have something to document for the aurors and then we will only ask you to disrobe as little as required." Mrs Patil replied.
"Okay. I can deal with that." Harry said as Priyanka set her bag on the desk. Pulling a probe of some sort that was connected to a box by a long cable. "What's that?"
"This is a Biothaumic scanner. It will give me a reading of your body's physical health, metabolism as well as your magical energy and such. While Andromeda worries about your mind and spirit I worry about your body and magic." Priyanka said with a smile, "We're sort of a team that way."
Harry said, "Oh. I see. Okay. So what do you need me to do?"
"Just stand there with your arms out. Please." Priyanka said.
Harry did so as she ran the probe over his body starting with his feet and working her way upwards. It made a clicking warble as it printed things onto a roll of parchment that he had no idea.
"How did you break your ribs?" Priyanka asked when she reached that part of his body.
"Uh which ones?" Harry asked.
"The ones on your left side," Priyanka replied.
"Oh Dudley and his friends caught me when they were playing Harry Hunting."
Muldoon looked up interested, "Friends?"
Harry nodded slowly, "Uh yeah. Piers Polkiss and a few others. One of them named Alex wore these really thick boots and he kicked me really hard there when I was knocked down."
"I see." Muldoon made a note in his own small book.
"Okay. There are bruises on your left arm." Priyanka said running the probe down that arm. "May I see them?"
Harry rolled the oversized sleeve up exposing faded ham fist sized bruises. Andromeda gave a tight snort of anger. Muldoon walked over and shook his head, "How did you get those?"
"Uncle Vernon grabbed my arm after the large pudding Dobby was levitating over Mrs Mason fell on her." Harry explained casually. Like ti was something he was used to Andromeda noticed.
"Does this happen often?" Muldoon asked.
"If I don't move quick enough." Harry replied.
Priyanka adjusted her device and ran it over his arm, "Faded radial breaks consistent with extreme twisting force being used."
Harry frowned, "I don't remember my arm getting broken."
"Well magic heals us very quickly. If we were to take you to a muggle hospital and run you through one of their X-ray machine your bones would register as perfect. Only old injuries and such leave a scar in your magical pattern which the Biothaumic scanner can detect." Priyanka explained.
"Oh." Harry nodded. "I see."
Muldoon chuckled, "You understand all that stuff she said? You're better than I am."
Harry shrugged, "Hermione talks like that a lot so I've gotten used to it."
"Ahh. I see." Muldoon said nodding.
Priyanka moved down Harry's other arm and then to his head. Running it over his scar she tilted her head. "Muldoon did you say there was a black ichor coming from his scar?"
"Yeah. I took a sample of it for you." He said handing her a small envelope with a handkerchief in it."
"Okay." Priyanka said running her wand over the envelope briefly.
"Why? What's the big deal about my scar?" Harry asked watching her. "It doesn't hurt or itch anymore."
"It did before this?" Priyanka asked running her wand over it again.
"Yes. Mum said it had a part of him in it but it was knocked loose by what I did." Harry explained.
Priyanka looked slightly concerned for a moment then schooled her features. "Oh I see. Well that's good."
Harry looked unconcerned but nodded. "I guess."
"Well let's get on with the rest of this scan then?" Priyanka said. Moving onward when Harry nodded. Detecting some scars on his back from belts she had Muldoon document them after Harry lifted his shirt.
Once the physical exam was completed she put her device back in the bag. "Okay Harry. You are under fed right now. You are otherwise magically healthy. Physically you are a bit under the curve for your growth. Did you ever see a muggle doctor?"
Harry shook his head, "The only reason I got to see an eye doctor was because I couldn't see the board anymore and the school made the Dursleys take me."
Priyanka inhaled, "What about the food you received at home. Did you get enough to eat?"
"I don't guess so. I'd get whatever the Dursleys gave me and that I could keep Dudley from taking. Plus the lunch at school." Harry explained.
"Did Madam Pomfrey ever examine you or see you for anything?" she asked.
"Yes. At the end of the year I got knocked out by a spirit of Voldemort or something." Harry related the story of his first year's final battle and how he wound up in the hospital wing.
Priyanka looked concerned before Andromeda said, "Wow Harry. That was quite an exciting end to your year."
"Yeah I guess it was, sort of." Harry shrugged.
"Unless Priyanka has anything she needs to do we should go find something to eat and get you some better fitting clothes." Andromeda said cheerfully. "Plus we can work on a letter to your friend Hermione if you want."
Harry smiled, "Yeah that would be nice."
Priyanka handed Andromeda a sheet from her pad, "Okay. I am prescribing a Health potion to help get you back on the curve with your growth and development. As for your diet, healthy and plenty will be my suggestion."
Harry smiled, "I would like that."
"Good. Muldoon do you need anything else from Harry?" Andromeda asked.
Muldoon shook his head, "I better get to the Ministry. I have a feeling I'm going to be rather busy."
"I'm sorry for making things rough." Harry said.
Muldoon shook his head, "No. Nothing for you to be sorry about laddie. If anything you've assured I earned my paycheck for the week."
"Oh. Well then okay." Harry replied unsure of the other man but the easy smile Muldoon offered him made him feel less awkward.
"I'll walk with you Muldoon." Priyanka said, pausing to speak with Harry. "Should you have any other issues or problems. Just ask for me. Alright?"
Harry nodded, "Okay."
Andromeda led Harry out of the office with a smile, "So do you like Ham and cheese sandwiches?" Hedwig swooped down to land on Harry's shoulder.
Once the two of them had left Muldoon turned to Priyanka. "So how bad did he get treated?"
Priyanka shook her head, "Aside from his time at Hogwart's? He has had long term near starvation. An unhealthy level of broken bones, strained muscles, and magical strain. He was using his magic a lot growing up to stay healthy and contain something in his scar."
"You got a look when he talked about that?" Muldoon asked.
"I know Francis. But I don't want to talk about it right now. I need to go look something up first." Priyanka said shaking her head, "I have a bad feeling about this."
"You too eh?" Francis said.
…...
The Dursleys walked slowly down the corridor. They had been brought to the Ministry through apparation, walked down the back elevator into the auror offices. And were being processed through into a holding cell. Dudley had bitten and kicked the auror when they had tried to take him to a home so he was going to the cells as a juvenile offender as well.
Shacklebolt pulled Petunia aside into an empty room. "Petunia Dursley. What in Merlin's beard did you think you were doing treating Potter like that?"
"What was I doing? What was your precious Dumbledore thinking when he dumped the brat off on us, bullied us into keeping him then didn't give us any support for him. Didn't give us any help. You and your arrogant kind think you can walk all over us." Petunia sneered haughtily.
"Dumbledore expected you to treat him as if he was your own. He is your own flesh and blood!" Shacklebolt hissed into her face.
"NEVER! Never call him that! He's just another dirty freak. I don't have anyone like that polluting my family tree." Petunia shrilly growled. Spittle flying from her lips.
Shacklebolt stepped backwards. Albus had told him Petunia might be difficult to deal with but he had not mentioned how difficult. "What about your sister?"
"I have no sister. I lost her the moment she went into that madhouse you call a school." Petunia was breathing hard as she thrust her jaw forward.
Shacklebolt shook his head, "Albus told me to offer you a deal. To say that Vernon had made you mistreat Harry. That you were just another victim of him."
Petunia narrowed her eyes, "You want me to turn on my husband? The man who loves me and gave me my Dudders? Who provides a good home and life for me. You are insane!" she growled in an angry tone. "I'd rather hang with him than turn on him."
"It may come to that." Shacklebolt said.
"Then so be it. I'd rather be a martyr than a collaborator!" Petunia spit in Shacklebolt's face.
He used the back of his hand to wipe the thick mess off of his cheek. Pushing down his anger he opened the door and shoved her back into the corridor.
The booking sergeant looked up when they came into the room. The other aurors already working on their paperwork.
"She had to visit the Loo." Shacklebolt explained in a tone brooking no disagreement.
The sergeant shrugged pulling out another clipboard
…...
"Cornelius. I need you to do something for me." Albus said sweeping into the Minister's office.
"Albus. You know I have a secretary for a reason. I could have been in an important meeting." Fudge shrieked in annoyance.
Albus raised his bushy white eyebrow, "Really? With whom?"
"Important people. I am the Minister for magic you know." Fudge huffed.
"Yes well. I need you to make a case against three muggles go away and return a wayward ward of mine back to them." Albus said seating himself in the chair across from Fudge at his well oiled and polished dark oak desk.
Fudge sighed deeply, "Why yes Albus. Please make yourself comfortable in my office."
"Thank you I shall." Albus replied waving his hand to float the coffee carafe and a cup over.
Fudge growled impotently, "What are you blithering on about? I'm not the one you need to talk to about court cases that would be Amelia."
"Yes well she is a bit too much of a stickler for the letter of the law and is unwilling to listen to reasonable arguments." Albus said disappointedly.
"You mean she is unwilling to let you tell her how to run her department." Fudge observed. "And so you thought I would be more amenable?"
"Well you are rather more rational and reasonable. After all we are both gentlemen and know how the world works." Albus said.
Fudge looked rather suspiciously at Dumbledore, "Yes we do. And I know your schemes old man."
Albus tilted his head, "My schemes? I have no schemes."
"Pull the other one Albus. You are after my job and I know it." Fudge countered.
"Cornelius. You know better than that. I have already enough on my plate." Albus countered.
"Sure, sure. I have far too much to be bothered about some muggles. You'll have to go talk to Amelia about it." Cornelius scowled, "Now good day Albus."
"Cornelius." Albus began but was interrupted.
"I said. GOOD DAY sir!" Fudge had sat behind his desk like it was a foxhole and Albus was the enemy. Clutching at his official Minister for Magic blotter and pen set like it was a machine gun.
Albus took a deep breath and exhaled through his nostrils. He seemed to contemplate something then stood, "Very well. On your head be it if Harry Potter winds up being kidnapped by one of the darker families. I imagine the public outcry to have the boy-who-lived turn dark would be quite livid."
Fudge blinked several times, "Harry Potter? He's the one that went missing?"
"Taken by one of the aurors. A slight mix-up in the sensor systems. A bit of confusion about the muggle life-styles and the next thing you know they are being hauled into the cells and young Harry is being spirited away to who knows where." Albus mournfully stated. "Instead of being in a protected and safe home."
"Yes. Well. I suppose in that case I could speak with Amelia and see what can be done. It may not happen immediately you know. So you'll have to be patient." Fudge stated.
"I am certain you will do all you can." Albus said walking out whistling.
…...
Hermione Granger. Average young girl was sitting down to dinner with her parents. Her clothing style was quite different than what her friends would have recognized from school. She was wearing jean shorts, high top sneakers and a pink and green shirt that was separated into those colors by a diagonal teal stripe.
Her parents were what the Dursleys would ever aspire to be, yet never achieve. They were dentists who lived in a quite neat and tidy, two story, middle class home, in a nice neighborhood not far from Gatwick Airport. He drove a Range Rover and she drove a very practical Peugeot. He was a bit of a geeky pop-culture fanatic who collected antique books and Hammer horror movie posters. She was a fan more of Jane Austin and Mary Shelley but could also play a mean game of Gin Rummy. Together they raised their daughter in a kind and loving home, with rules and consequences for bad actions. Not that their daughter misbehaved, much.
The soft popping noise in the middle of their dining room was not what caused Daniel Adam Granger to drop the serving bowl of salad on the floor. The popping noise had heralded the arrival of a small grayish-blue skinned being with long pointed ears, large green protruding eyes that was wearing a toga made from a plaid curtain with a gold rope belt, which was what caused him to drop the bowl.
"Hello. Who are you?" Hermione gasped.
"Greetings. Phylo is Phylo's name." the being said in a reedy tenor voice.
"Uh. Hello Phylo." Daniel replied uncertainly as he looked towards his magical daughter for answers or help. She looked back and shrugged, wide eyed, as she had no idea what was going on either. Looking towards his wife she was sitting staring at the small creature in confusion as well.
"I have a message for Miss Hermione Granger from Harry Potter." The being said holding a small folded letter out to Hermione.
Leaping out of her chair she grabbed the letter quickly, pelting the elf with rapid fire questions, "Harry? Is he alright? Where is he? I've been trying to contact him all summer. I tried to phone him only the rather rude person on the other end said he had moved and not to call again. Can I write him back or call him?"
"Hermione! Calm down and allow the, guest, to try and answer at least one of your questions." Her mother, Emma Jean Granger, had firmly rebuked, yet with a tone of softness within it.
"Sorry mother. Sorry Mr. Phylo." Hermione said.
The elf smiled briefly, "Mr Potter being taken care of. Phylo not allowed to tell where Mr Potter is. Phylo allowed to say situation is complicated. Phylo was tasked to bring reply from Miss Granger to Mr Potter."
Hermione blinked rpaidly before saying, "Oh. Okay." Sitting back down she began to read the short note that she recognized as Harry's sloping chaotic scrawl across the page.
Emma cleared her throat, "Uh would you like anything to eat or drink Phylo?"
"Phylo has eaten ma'am. Phylo does thank madam for offer." the elf said standing patiently.
"Oh. Okay." Emma said helping her husband clean up.
Hermione made a few gasps as she read. Finally she ran to the library and came back with her notebook and a biro.
"I'm going to want to be able to write Harry a much longer letter, please." Hermione stated as she turned to a clean page of paper.
"Phylo will speak with Mistress caring for Harry Potter." Phylo said.
"Thank you."
Hermione quickly wrote a letter to Harry. Once she was done she folded it. Giving it to Phylo she smiled, "Please let Harry know I miss him and hope he is okay."
"Phylo will do so." The elf said before he bowed and stepped backwards while twisting so that he vanished in a rush of air.
"Uh. What was this all about pumpkin?" Her dad asked bringing another bowl of salad into the room.
"My friend Harry from school got depressed and hurt himself but he's someplace where they are caring for him now. It seems I couldn't contact him because an elf named Dobby was preventing it." Hermione said quickly as she took some of the dinner for her plate. "Plus the people he was living with wre not very nice."
"Oh. Well, see. I told you there was an explanation for things." Daniel said with a relieved sigh, "So you'll be seeing him when you go back to school."
Fingering the paper in front of her she nodded with a soft, hopeful, smile, "Yeah. So it seems."
…...
Phylo reappeared in the middle of the Tonks living room. Andromeda's husband Ted was working with Harry on improving his chess game while she was working on paperwork. The bane of all professionals.
Phylo was not alone however. He had another elf in a one armed head lock. The other elf was wearing a dirty tea towel.
"Dobby!" Harry cried out, "The other elf is the one who came to the Dursley's"
"Phylo. Can you explain what's going on?" Andromeda asked politely.
"Phylo attacked by wild elf on way back. Wild Elf tried to stop Phylo bringing letter to Mr Potter." Phylo replied while Dobby made choking and gagging noises.
"I think you can release him now." Andromeda suggested.
Phylo frowned. "Wild elf is not entirely sane. Phylo not trust wild elf."
"Well it will be rather difficult to have him answer any questions with you choking him Phylo." Andromeda pointed out.
Phylo took a deep breath then released Dobby who fell to the floor catching his breath. Phylo then stepped politely to Harry and handed him the letter from Hermione, "Miss Granger sends her compliments sir."
Harry took the letter carefully and with a nod from Andromeda took it over to the couch and began to read.
Dobby looked up at Harry eagerly reading the letter and worriedly said in his high thin voice, "Dobby is sorry that Harry Potter hurt Harry himself. Dobby only hoped to make Harry Potter not want to go back to school."
Andromeda shook her head, "You did far more than that Mr Dobby."
Dobby looked at her stern yet sad expression and tied to pop out. Phylo immediately vanished and then reappeared pinning Dobby to the floor after a brief struggle.
Andromeda looked at her husband, "Ted could you contact Mr Diggory over at Magic Creature control."
"Yes dear. What exactly do you want me to tell him."
"That we have someone's house elf here and he has been behaving very naughty." She said looking at Dobby.
Dobby began to wail, "NOOO. Please. Dobby master find out Dobby do this Dobby become stuffed and mounted."
Andromeda shook her head to her husband he put the floo powder back into the jar. "Alright. Alright. If you will calmly talk to us we will do all we can to keep your master from finding out."
Dobby calmed down, looking up at Phylo Dobby said, "Dobby behave."
Phylo glanced at Andromeda who nodded. Phylo stood up helping haul Dobby to his feet.
"Dobby did you prevent Harry from getting any letters or mail from his friends?" Andromeda asked as Harry watched curiously.
Dobby nodded, "Dobby watched both muggle post and magical post. Dobby learned about muggle post almost too late."
"Do you still have the post for Harry?" Andromeda asked as Harry frowned at the elf.
Dobby shook his head, "Dobby destroyed mail. Dobby did not think would need."
Harry looked like he was going to say something but Ted put his hand gently on Harry's shoulder and gestured towards Andromeda. Harry frowned but with a nod decided to let the adults deal with it.
"That was incredibly rude. What if there had been something in there important or irreplaceable?" Andromeda said sitting on the floor to be more level with Dobby.
"Dobby did not think. Dobby just wants to save Harry Potter because master wants to hurt Harry Potter." Dobby said, "And if Master hates Harry Potter then Dobby likes Harry Potter."
Everyone in the room looked at Dobby in confusion for a moment before Andromeda said, "So to save Harry you hurt Harry?"
Dobby nodded, "Pain motivates Dobby to do what master wants so Dobby used pain to motivate Harry Potter."
Andromeda sighed deeply, "Dobby. It doesn't work like that. All you did was hurt and isolate Harry to such a point he gave up. We're now having to work to help him rebuild."
"But master wants to hurt Harry Potter. He is making Hogwarts unsafe for Harry Potter and everyone." Dobby protested.
"Then you should have said that in the first place. You should have explained what the threat is and helped everyone to be able to counter it." Andromeda countered.
Dobby blinked his eyes several times before he seemed to realize something. "ohh. Dobby made mistake."
Andromeda looked at Harry who was shaking his head in disbelief. "Yes, you did. Now we have a chance."
Dobby had run over to the fireplace and began to beat himself with the ash shovel interrupting her. Phylo sighed and fought with Dobby for several moments over the ash shovel before taking control of it. Dragging the self-abusing elf back to the center of the room he kept his hand on the back of Dobby's neck.
"Dobby. Could you please not hurt yourself. That isn't going to do anyone any good." Andromeda cooed softly trying to calm the shivering elf.
"Dobby is sorry. Dobby must always punish Dobby for mistakes. Master makes Dobby do so."
"Well we do not do that here." Andromeda firmly stated, "We look at our mistakes and see what we can do to prevent them and repair the damage. Since you cannot bring back Harry's post you can help repair your damage by telling us how your master is going to make the school unsafe?"
"Dobby does not know. Master says Master will use tool Dark Man gave Master. Tool will make enemies of Dark Man suffer. Tool will make school clean again. Dobby does not think tool is a mop."
Andromeda shared an expression with her husband. Turning back she swallowed, "I doubt it is a mop either."
Dobby's ears perked up, "Master calls. Dobby must respond."
"Then go. Just know that we will not allow you to prevent harry contacting his friends."
Dobby looked defeated but nodding said, "Dobby understands." Then he vanished in a poof.
"Phylo follow him carefully and find out who his master is. We need to report this." Andromeda said as the elf nodded then blinked out. "Now Harry what did your friends Hermione say?"
Harry smiled as he held up the letter, "That she had been going spare worrying about me and she had tried to write and call me."
"Well that's good news." Andromeda said. "How do you feel about that?"
"Happier, I feel a lot happier." Harry said taking a deep breath.
….
Amelia was preparing to go home. She had been talking to Shacklebolt and Muldoon for the last several hours after they gave her the report on the Potter situation. She had looked at the preliminary evidence and listened as Shacklebolt explained about Dumbledore approaching him to tamper with evidence, to interfere.
She had pushed down the anger at one of her own daring to break their oaths to protect and serve the people. To serve the forces of justice above all else. She did express her extreme displeasure which Shacklebolt accepted and took responsibility for. He agreed that his transfer to the muggle protective division would be an acceptable result of his actions. He did not want to taint the case any further than he already had.
She had given Muldoon carte blanche to do whatever he needed to do to investigate Dumbledore and his part in this entire situation. He was also to protect Harry Potter from anyone who might want to harm him.
Complicating things was the report from Ted and Andromeda Tonks about the house elf Dobby. Their house elf had followed him back to the stately Malfoy manor in Wiltshire. The threat that had set this entire snowball rolling into an avalanche had made Amelia throw back a headache potion and wonder if she was getting too old for this crap.
Her response to the report from the Tonks had been to assign that investigation to CDI Davenport. Amelia had worked with her for several years and she would not be cowed or bullied by the Malfoys. Amelia had not been head of the DMLE when Malfoy got excused from his role during the Blood War but now that she was she was going to see to it he paid for his crimes. She knew he was guilty of something and had instructed Davenport to go after him.
Putting the last file into her blood warded, bio-secure, safe she turned off the desk lamp and turned to leave. The door to her office opened allowing Cornelius Fudge to enter. Amelia groaned internally as she thought his lime green suit, balding fat head, and weaselly face with its weak chin made him look like a very bad, chubby, cereal mascot.
"Amelia. Could we speak for a moment?" Cornelius said drawing himself to his full height. Which put him an inch shorter than her.
"Make it quick Cornelius. I am already late to take Susan out to dinner in Dublin.
"Put on his back foot by her brusque response he stammer a moment then said, "I need you to drop the charges against the Dursleys and make Harry Potter go back with them."
Amelia scowled at the effrontery the man was exhibiting. "No. Request denied." She growled as she pulled her monocle out of her shirt pocket.
"Amelia you don't seem to understand. This is not a request. I'm telling you to do this." Cornelius said in as authoritarian tone as he could.
"Excuse me Cornelius? You are telling me to not do my job and duty? To not uphold the oath I took so many years ago as an auror?" She hissed stepping closer to him. "I do believe you misspoke."
"No I did not Amelia. You don't understand the importance of this, the delicacy of the situation." Cornelius tried to sound strong but his voice quavered a bit as Amelia's cold blue eyes bored into him.
Amelia felt the fingers of Dumbledore poking into this pie. She knew Cornelius was a politician and would go whichever way the winds blew. So she decided to change the wind. "Cornelius. You do realize that by interfering in anon going investigationthat makes you look as corrupt and ineffective as old Harold Minchum. Remember how he spent his five year term trying to get the public to believe that the Ministry was winning the war against You-Know-Who and his minions?"
Cornelius worked his mouth a few times like a gaffed fish. Seeing him being landed she put the gaff into him. "Just let me do my job Cornelius. If I'm wrong I will turn in my resignation and open a bed and breakfast. If I'm right you'll be credited for rescuing Harry Potter from the hands of horrible, abusive, muggles and saving our biggest hero in several decades. Either way though we have got to see this through to the end. No matter what justice must be served."
Cornelius looked thoughtful as he deflated like a puffer fish that had escaped the eel's jaws. "You promise?"
Holding up her hand she said, "Girl Guides honor!"
Cornelius frowned as he said, "I do not recall you being a Girl Guide."
Amelia smiled, "A woman's life holds many deep secrets Cornelius."
Cornelius took a deep breath as he mopped his brow with a bright green kerchief, "Well. I suppose I can allow you a few days grace. I'll just. I'll just have to muddle through. At least the press hasn't gotten wind of this."
"No of course not. I run a very tight ship Cornelius. You know how much I despise leaks." Amelia assured him.
"Yes. Yes you do. Well. I suppose you should get off to dinner." Cornelius said.
Amelia nodded, "Good evening Cornelius."
Once the man had left she sighed. She hated to do this but she would have to make sure that Cornelius would not tack back into the wind and scuttle her investigation. She had to make sure there was pressure holding him to her course, the course of justice. Pulling her portable mirror out of her pocket she flipped it open. "Rita. How would you like to have dinner at Moretti's in Dublin tonight?"
Listening to the voice that issued from the other end Amelia flipped it shut after a moment and smiled. Sometimes justice meant bending the rules...
…...
Dumbledore sat down to breakfast. His mind on the situation with Harry Potter and how he would manage to get thigns back under control before it became dangerous to his plan. The grand plan that had to happen to achieve the proper end results. The only path out of the millions possible that could lead to success. Why couldn't these lesser people see that he, and he alone, knew the way?
Picking up his paper he froze, coffee sitting unstirred as he read the headline. Choking on his toast he read the article.
'HARRY POTTER REMOVED FROM HOME. KEPT IN BROOM CUPBOARD STARVING AND COLD!'
Dateline August 1992, It has come to the attention of this reporter that Ministry officials have removed Harry Potter from the cruel clutches of violently oppressive and vindictive muggles. These muggles proudly declared they would beat the magic out of our beloved Boy-Who-Lived defeated of You-Know-Who. The physical abuse suffered at the hands of these magi-phobic animals has left scars upon the child equal to the most famous one the Darkest of the Dark Lords left upon him. How could this have been allowed to continue for so long unabated? How could our greatest hero have been allowed to languish in such an evil and squalid place? Why did Albus Dumbledore and other officials when asked repeatedly over the years as to young Harry Potter's conditions reassure us that he was living a comfortable and safe life? The answers to these questions will be rooted out by this reporter. -Rita Skeeter
Want to know more? Turn to page 12
Dumbledore laid the paper on his table very carefully. Like it was going to explode, and he supposed metaphorically it already had. Obviously Fudge would simper and whine and cave to public opinion. He could already hear the posturing denials from the green suited man that he knew anything at all.
Dumbledore sighed as he realized that grand plan was going to be crumbling like ancient ruins in an earthquake. The power of the press to incite the masses into pitchfork wielding mobs was well known and understood. Rita Skeeter and the Daily Prophet had become masters of the thinly veiled, and not so thinly veiled, allusions and misdirections. Misinformation and outright fallacies replaced factual journalism far too often.
He considered the options. If he fought this, if he tried to meddle and continue to push for his plan the press would excoriate him and make him out to be as dark as Tom. If he played the game and allowed the Dursleys to fall he might be able to swing it so Harry wound up with one of the families loyal to him. The Weasleys would be a good option. Although how to ensure that the blood wards protecting Harry would still be empowered. He had to be someplace where the blood of his mother still flowed.
Petunia Dursley was the last person who had the same blood as his mother. She would be going to prison, he had no doubts that it would be the bare minimum the vox populai would accept. However he could still use her to provide for a safe space for Harry. Molly Weasley was still young enough and liked children. Perhaps he could use an ancient ritual to do some fertility magic and place a copy of Petunia into Molly.
Shaking his head he dismissed that. It was dark magic that would be involved to do that. Ancient Kandorian rituals that must never be allowed to be uttered. He must never falter in his struggle against the darkness. He must never fall. He was the last guardian of the light, the last bastion of the old and noble ways of magic. He would have to accept that the blood wards protecting Harry would be lost.
The only way to defeat Tom was the prophesied child. The one whom the fates had foretold his destruction. If Harry was not to be the chosen one then he had to turn to the other. The child that might have been. He would have to begin to build him up, make him stronger. Yes there was another way as always to salvage his plan.
…...
That same morning, many,many, miles away in Wiltshire another gentleman who believed he was a defender of the old ways awoke to pounding on his door. Given the people he had associated with this was not a good thing to have happen.
Checking to see if there were anti-apparate wards or if the floo had collapsed he sighed in relief as this was not a visit from his former friends. Throwing on his robe over his silk pajamas he stormed to the front door. Flinging it open as his elves had all vanished for some strange reason he found a tall striking female in dark shiny black armor. Standing behind her arrayed as if to invade his house were a squad, no two squads, of hit-wizards.
"Lucius Malfoy. In the name of the Ministry I am serving you with a search warrant. You and your family will please step outside while we search or you will be held in custody for interfering in a legal investigation." The tall woman stated in a stentorian voice as she held out a piece of parchment.
Ripping the document from the woman's hand he saw that Arbitus Blore had signed the document. Blore was ancient and might have been around when Moses received the first laws. He was just as inflexible and unafraid. He could not be bullied, bought or manipulated.
"Mr Malfoy? Do you intend to cooperate?" The woman whose nameplate said Davenport smiled coldly, the smile never reaching her eyes. Her hand hovered over her wand as the hit-wizards behind her in their own shiny black beetle armor held their wands tightly.
"Do we have time to get dressed?" he smoothly asked.
"No sir. You and your family are hereby ordered to immediately vacate the premises. You may of course apparate elsewhere. However be aware that all properties you own are being searched at this moment by teams of hit-wizards, including your muggle property in Mayfair." she continued to smile while her eyes dared him to try something.
Malfoy pursed his lips but nodded towards his wife and son who stood in the magnificent foyer sneering in a confused arrogance. Stepping into the early morning light he thought that at least it was a nice day to plan his revenge.
…...
Harry had been writing back and forth with Hermione and Ron for the last week. Ever since he had come here things had been changing and happening quickly. Andromeda had been talking to him daily about his feelings and helping him to process the things that had happened. He did not feel as alone and unloved as he realized he had people who valued him for himself.
Muldoon had come to talk to him along with a accusator from the courts. He had to have the magical legal system explained to him but once he understood he was able to give a sworn affidavit about the things that had happened to him at the Dursley's house. With their own attitude and behavior Muldoon said it was doubtful Harry would have to testify in person.
Hermione had been very understanding and supportive of him. Discussing their upcoming classes and what to expect or hope for. Plans for their Christmas break as she said her parents would have to make sure Harry had a passport and other legal documents to travel to the Swiss Alps where they would go skiing this winter. He had never been outside fo Surrey except to go to the school so was looking forward to that.
Ron though made him confused. He did not seem to understand how Harry had felt and wondered why he was upset. He was glad to see harry get away from the Dursleys, considering them to be typical muggles though. Which made Harry mad on Hermione's behalf as her parents seemed to be nice and wanting to invite harry along on their family vacation. Andromeda said some pure-bloods just did not understand and that Ron might grow out of it with help. Harry wondered just how much help Ron was going to need.
They had missed the traditional day to get their things at Diagon Alley but that was okay as according to Hermione the crowds were extremely dense due to the famous Gilderoy Lockhart being there signing his latest book. Plus some of the people got rather rude.
Andromeda and Muldoon had taken Harry to the bank and shopping. Including for new clothes as the potions and better diet has made him sprout two inches taller in the last week and gain enough weight that Healer Patil called him healthy. He had missed out on seeing his friends but would be going to Diagon Alley the day after tomorrow so was not too sad.
…...
Amelia was meeting with Narcissa Malfoy and her advocator, "Thank you for helping us. We would not have been able to put Lucius in Azkaban without you."
Narcissa narrowed her eyes, "I didn't do it for you. I did it for Draco. I don't want him growing up like his father."
Amelia nodded internally. She had to agree that helping ensure Draco did not grow up like Lucius was a good thing. "Very well. All I need is for you to sign here confirming that you have assisted the Ministry in our investigation and prosecution of Lucius Malfoy."
Letting her advocator read the document before setting it in front of her Narcissa waited for them to nod. When they did she picked up the pen and signed her name.
"There. Now unless there is anything else I want to take my son to our home. We have to prepare for him to go back to Hogwarts. He is no doubt going to have a lot of emotional troubles." Narcissa exhaled through her nose, "He is such a sensitive young man you know."
"Yes. So I understand." Amelia diplomatically said. "I believe we have everything in order now. Mrs Malfoy."
"Black. I am going back to my maiden name." Narcissa stated rising.
"I thought the divorce had not come through yet." Amelia replied rising as well.
"It has not, however I want to begin to distance myself from the errors my former husband made as soon as possible." Narcissa sighed tiredly. "My mother had arranged this marriage when I was young. I thought at the time it was one of the best things to happen to me. Not so much any longer."
Amelia nodded sympathetically. Narcissa pulled her emotional mask back over herself and left.
Muldoon entered a moment later, "Well she certainly looked happy."
"Yes. How goes the investigation?" Amelia said changing the subject definitively.
Sitting down Muldoon flipped out his notebook, "Well Dumbledore is a slick fish. His song and dance before the Wizengamut to disavow the Dursleys and claim they snowed him was pretty effective."
"He only just managed to save himself by two votes Francis." Amelia replied, referring to the vote of no confidence he had faced yesterday.
"Aye. Weasley and Longbottom. Weasley I understand. Dumbledore has them in his pocket like lint. Longbottom though. I wonder what he has done to get Augusta on his side." Francis mused.
Amelia leaned back in her chair and looked at the detective, " He would not use a spell to control her, he must have manipulated things, or blackmail. Her son and his wife are still in Saint Mungo's?"
"Aye. Last I checked. I'll look into that angle." Muldoon made a note.
"What about Hogwarts?" Amelia asked.
"Well Minerva confirmed that she had warned him about the Dursleys. She also gave me a copy of his original address. The Cupboard under the Stairs." Muldoon related. "She is willing to slide us any information on Dumbledore's actions at the school."
"Good. I'm glad to see Minerva cooperating. What about Pomfrey?"
"She passed the tests with flying colors. No confundus or other spells on her. She had been assured though that Dumbledore would take care of it. His personal assurances." Muldoon said, "Her healer's oaths didn't permit her to discus it with others without his guardian's permission, so she left it at that."
"Which was Dumbledore or the Dursleys depending on who you ask." Amelia rolled her eyes in annoyance.
"Exactly. Plus if she had reported it one of Dumbledore's cronies would have intercepted it no doubt."
"The man has entirely too many fingers in too many pies." Amelia said, "I want them slapped, hard."
"Oh don't worry we're working on it. I'm talking to Bishop in IA. We're investigating the backgrounds of everyone in key positions in the Ministry." Muldoon said.
"Alright. Keep up the good work. I know Dumbledore has covered his trails but he is not perfect." Amelia growled. "He is going to slip up sooner or later."
…...
Dumbledore sat at his desk preparing for the next school year. He was going to have to deal with that buffoon Lockhart, the curse kept eluding him so he had to find new people every year. At least the other professors were still effective and doing their job, even if Snape was not popular.
Minerva had begun to act rather oddly, as had Poppy and Flitwick. He was going to have to watch them this year. He wondered if they had been gotten to by Tom's forces. They were always testing and trying to find ways to turn the forces of light to their side.
Shacklebolt had even begun to behave in a way that made him even more concerned. There were things happening in the Ministry that he was supposed to keep Albus informed about and was not. Fortunately Albus still had the loyalty of Arthur Weasley, mainly due to Molly, but he was shoved off into a office that was underappreciated and almost forgotten about. The last time Albus had gone to visit Arthur at his office he had walked into a broom closet by mistake. Understandable though as the broom closet was more prominent and well marked than Arthur's office, slightly larger too Albus mused.
Albus wondered if there was any other assets he could still develop. There was Nymphadora Tonks. She would be useful. Not only at keeping an eye on Harry as he seemed to be going to stay with the Tonks for now, but her shapeshifting ability could be quite helpful in keeping an eye on everyone else. She was under the guidance of Alastor Moody, someone that Albus had a tenuous control over at best, as part of her auror training.
Augusta had voted to keep him in power which was a relief. He still did not think she was loyally on his side but she had responded positively to his offers to increase Neville's training by personally tutoring the boy, as well as bringing in outside healers to work with Saint Mungo's on her son's condition.
Albus snorted sadly as if that would matter. The man's brain had been crucioed into mush and and he would never recover. Albus had used his legilimency to look deep into the vast wasteland that had once been Frank Longbottom and found nothing. If he, the greatest wizard since Merlin, could find no spark of intellect then no lesser wizard could.
Albus considered if it was time to bring Remus around, he would be needing a new defense professor after this year after all. Fortunately due to Lupin's condition he was easy to control. He would be useful in keeping Harry handily on his side. Yes Remus Lupin would be the next year's defense professor, and when the curse took him it would be no big deal.
Albus began to feel better. He was going to be able to work this around to his benefit after all. His plans would still come to fruition and Tom's defeat would still occur. At least harry would no longer have to have his unfortunate ending, the part within him having been removed by his own hand.
Albus blinked as he realized something. Harry had removed the part of Tom within him by his own hand. He began to chuckle as he thought how wonderful prophecies could be. Sybil deserved a case of sherry and a bonus in her pay packet for the week indeed.
…...
September first had arrived and Harry was taken to the train station by Muldoon, Andromeda Tonks and a pair of uniformed aurors who just happened to be patrolling the platform according to the blonde one.
Harry was still shaking his head at Muldoon's efforts when he heard his name called by Hermione. He had just enough time to turn before he felt her arms surround him and his face was engulfed in her bushy brown hair.
His initial reflex had been to stiffen but before she could release him he hugged her back. Maybe not quite as tightly as she had hugged him but enough to let her know he reciprocated the feeling.
Pulling back she looked worried, "Oh. I'm sorry Harry. I was just so happy to see you that I didn't think."
Harry looked at Andromeda who was smiling at them. "Its okay Hermione. Your hugs are a good thing."
Relaxing a moment she looked up at Harry. He was a good three inches taller than she was and had filled out nicely. The new clothes he wore certainly fit him much better than the things she had been used to seeing him wear. "Thanks. You look good."
He shrugged, "The health potion made me have a bit of a growth spurt."
Smiling at him she said, "Oh. Well that's a good thing then. So are you ready for the new year?"
Harry nodded as he looked back into her brown eyes hopefully, "You're going to be with me?"
Taking his hand tentatively until he wrapped his fingers around hers she said warmly, "I'll always be with you Harry."
Smiling with damp eyes Harry said, "Thank you."
Hermione blushed but said in a rushed gasp, "We'd better get on the train."
"Yeah. Be with you in a moment." He said slowly letting go of her hand.
Hermione watched as he went to Andromeda and gave her a hug, a hug he initiated. One of the first ever. Shaking Muldoon's hand he came back and they walked to the train side by side pushing their luggage carts. The steam from the engine curling and wafting across the platform.
Andromeda gave a slight sniffle, "You know what Francis. I think that's going to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
Review Responses:
I want to thank every one for reading and enjoying. I am not entirely feeling like adulting today so I will not be responding to each of you individually here. Sorry. Know though that I did read everythign and am glad to hear your words of enjoyment.